The story of Zion Church of the City of Baltimore is the story of the German speaking people in Baltimore dating back to the “Colonial Period,” through the “Golden Age of Germans in Baltimore” into the “World War” years and finally the modern or present era.  Every generation of Baltimore German-Americans is reflected in the building. Along the tour you will learn about the architecture including the unique and significant stained glass windows as well as the “new” (1912) part of the building including the church’s iconic tower and “Adlersaal.”  We will visit the Hofmann Memorial Library and tour the picturesque walled garden, an oasis in the middle of the city. Guests will hear stories about Zion’s past Pastors who led the German immigrant community during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars and held it together during the two World Wars when German speakers were viewed with distrust and considered enemies.  We also touch upon the role that Zion played in the history of Lutheranism in America as well as how the political and cultural life of Baltimore City shaped and was shaped by Germans living here. 

Accessibility: There are some stairs going up to the Adlersaal on the second floor, but there is an elevator for those who can’t manage the stairs.